Lagos denies N700m billboard permit fee, says costliest advert costs N10m

The Lagos State Government has dismissed claims that it increased billboard permit fees to N700m, describing the allegation as false.
The government said the claim, which circulated on social media, misrepresented the state’s outdoor advertising regulations and was intended to damage its image.

A social media post had alleged that the high cost of billboard permits explained why the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) was rarely seen on Lagos roads.

However, the state government said billboards were owned and operated by private companies, adding that the Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency only regulated the industry.
It stated that the most expensive billboard placement in the state cost about N10m monthly, rejecting the suggestion that the government charged N700m for permits.

The government also said Lagos remained open to political parties and candidates, provided they complied with established advertising regulations.
It explained that anyone seeking to register as an outdoor advertising practitioner in the state was required to obtain a non-refundable application form costing N7m from LASAA.

Applicants must also register with the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria and meet other statutory requirements, the government said.

It added that political campaign materials and other billboard advertisements must be displayed on approved advertising structures operated by registered outdoor advertising practitioners with valid LASAA permits.
The government urged political actors to comply with the regulations governing outdoor advertising in the state.